http://www.aboyontheroad.com/Ghost 0.5Sat, 25 May 2019 14:01:58 GMT60Hello fellow readers, at the end of June 2017 I'm going to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and I need your support!

I'm joining a team from IntoUniversity for the challenge and together we're trying to raise funds for IntoUniversity.

"IntoUniversity provides a national network of local learning centres, in areas of significant need, where young people are inspired to achieve. Each of our 22 learning centres offer an innovative programme to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to attain either a university place or another chosen aspiration. In the 2015-16 academic year, we reached over 25,000 students across our centres with 80% of our students going on to Higher Education." – IntoUniversity YTP challenge flyer

Support a good cause, all the funds go to support the running of five local IntoUniversity learning centres in the Leeds & Nottingham region. If you want to donate please visit the donation page here.

Please find the flyer for the fundraiser here:

Of course I'll update this page with stories & pictures from the hike!

]]>http://www.aboyontheroad.com/2017/05/30/the-yorkshire-three-peaks-challenge/8030b184-1e8a-40e5-841d-556fc4dd0c3cTue, 30 May 2017 21:15:44 GMTSeoraksan National Park, in Hangul: 설악산국립공원 and in the revised romanization of Korean: seoraksan-gungnipgong-won, is one of twenty-one national parks of South Korea. It was incorporated on 24th of March 1970, back then it was the 5th national park overall, and it is governed by the Korean National Park Service. The park comprises an area of 398 square kilometres and lies in the North-East of South Korea on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The UNESCO declared it a tentative World Heritage site in 1994 and it has been popular with tourists ever since. With 1,708 metres Daecheongbong is the tallest peak within the boundaries of the national park, but there are several others which feature altitudes of 1,200 metres and more. Mark it on your map if you love nature because it is well-known for spectacular rocky hills and ridges, beautiful landscape and lots of hiking trails. Its rare flora and fauna features over 2,000 animal species and 1,400 plant species, e.g. lots of pine trees, among them the Dwarf Stone Pine which can only be found here in South Korea. Several landmarks are also located in the national park, e.g. Sinheungsa, a Buddhist temple which features an impressive Bronze Buddha called "Tongil Daebul" or Baekdamsa, another Buddhist temple. Sokcho, only a twenty minute drive by bus number 7 away, acts as a gateway and is also very popular with tourists due to its hot springs, excellent fresh fish and beaches.

]]>http://www.aboyontheroad.com/2016/05/10/impressions-from-seoraksan-national-park/18d0ac9b-635d-4c64-99ff-ccc1c9841facTue, 10 May 2016 15:42:00 GMTChinglish or Chinese English is omnipresent when you're travelling through China and is always good for a photo, an anecdote or a laugh when you're trying to cope with the culture. I snapped some pictures while I was crossing the country, read here, here or here for the latest installments of the "One Day in ..." series. And now without further ado the top ten of the most ridiculous signs I encountered.

Suddenly you get warned that there might be a vista. Most likely the official wanted to tell us something else here. Of course the ubiquitous "no smoking" hint needs to be placed there as well. But it's a pretty sign though.

I'm a fan of politeness so I'm also a fan of this sign. Rest assured that I didn't throw anything.

This seems to happen in China so be aware of pinching.

Almost! But the official who designed this sign should check the spelling again.

Yes, trees are life forms too. And again, "no smoking" needs to be mentioned as well.

We always knew that the tone in China is more strict than elsewhere in the world so even as a tourist you have to follow orders.

This is more a case of didn't see that one coming and sad I didn't go there, the "Patriotism Education Base", I'm sure you'll find this only in China, or maybe in North Korea.

And the unchallenged number one, again I agree, grass is also a life form, but the spelling and grammar!

]]>http://www.aboyontheroad.com/2016/04/16/lost-in-translation-the-top-10-chinese-sign-fails/0c60d0ed-dd49-48f4-8dc4-fc1de2515845Sat, 16 Apr 2016 17:22:00 GMTSuzhou is a city in the east of China, not far from the Taihu Lake, a large freshwater lake in the Yangtze River Delta. Somehow the name is ambiguous because it lies in an administrative area of the same name. The city is home to around four million people, whereas the administrative area, including the satellite cities Kunshan, Taicang, Changshu, and Zhangjiagang, comprises more than ten million. It lies at the Grand Canal, approximately 80 kilometres/50 miles west of Shanghai and is an important transportation hub in the Yangtze River Delta having frequent high-speed rail connections to the north, south and west as well as air connections to other destinations in China. It's one of the cities which are called Venice of the East, another being Wuzhen, which I covered not long ago. Suzhou boosts over 2500 years of history and remained an importance throughout the Han, Song, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Nowadays the city is one of the major tourist attractions in China featuring an UNESCO world heritage site, the Classical Gardens of Suzhou, stone bridges and pathways, pagodas and gardens.

Here are my top five things to do in twenty-four hours for Suzhou:

The Humble Administrator's Garden is part of the UNESCO world heritage site called Classical Gardens of Suzhou and is the largest garden in Suzhou, covering 52,000 square meters. It's renowned as one of the finest gardens in south China and features small forests and lakes, rock formations, pavilions and bridges. The admission fee is between 70 and 90 Yuan.

The North Temple Pagoda or Beisi Pagoda is a pagoda located within the Bao'en Temple in the north of the old town of Suzhou. The base of the 76 metres/249 feet high tower is shaped octagonal and the history of the structure dates back 1,700 years.

Shantang Street is an ancient riverside pedestrian road in the north-west of Suzhou. It stretches for approximately 3.5 kilometres/2.2 miles and features city- and landscapes. Take a stroll, eat some street food, visit the street market and enjoy the beautiful and picturesque scenery of a typical Chinese water town.

Pingjiang Road parallels the Pingjiang River and is the old main street of the ancient Suzhou. It's lined by bookshops, teahouses, small theatres, bars and restaurants. Lots of small alleys intersect and various stone bridges cross the canal. It's another picturesque street which you shouldn't miss during your visit of Suzhou.

The Momi Café is a small coffee house located on Pingjiang Road. But it's not just a coffee house: books about art, literature and travel are sold here as well as a wide variety of postcards. The postcards are designed by the staff or friends of the staff and have either a Suzhou theme or are art-inspired. A wall with 365 little boxes is located in the lower floor of this branch, there exist other shops in cities across China, instead of sending the postcard immediately you can post it into one of the boxes, one for each day of the upcoming year, and it will be send for you on that day.

Wūzhèn is a historic scenic town in the southern part of the Yangtze River Delta. It lies south of the Taihu Lake roughly in the middle of a triangle formed by Hangzhou (~ 60 kilometres/40 miles to the south-west), Suzhou (~ 60 kilometres/40 miles to the north) and Shanghai (~ 110 kilometres/70 miles to the east). It's one of China's most famous ancient water towns (one of the many towns called Venice of the East) and probably the best way to experience what historic life in the Yangtze River Delta must have been like. It boasts a more than six thousand year old history being an important stop on the Grand Canal, sometimes also called Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, a 1,700 kilometre long waterway linking the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nowadays the canal town is a popular destination for day trips from bigger towns in the delta.

The town is divided into four districts: Dongzha, Nanzha, Xizha, and Beizha. Most of the visitors head to Dongzha and Xizha as they have been heavily developed for tourism and are easily accessible by train, bus or boat. For both areas you will have to pay a small admission fee. Go here if you want to escape the bustling cities in the Yangtze River Delta. Enjoy the picturesque views of ancient stone bridges and pathways and experience how time passes much slower here. It can be crowded, but the districts are so big that you definitely will find peace and quietness. Stroll around, sit in well-preserved tea houses, enjoy street food, visit a museum and in the evening enjoy a beer in one of the many bars.

]]>http://www.aboyontheroad.com/2016/02/20/one-day-in-wuzhen/1b12ed91-a9bd-4f9f-b518-c95845ad3b4dSat, 20 Feb 2016 18:00:00 GMTNanjing, beautifully situated in the Yangtze River Delta, is home to more than 8 million people. It lies approximately 300 kilometres to the west of Shanghai and is one of the transportation hubs in eastern China. The city is divided by the Yangtze, the city centre being on the south bank but several other districts lying north of the river. It's a renowned historical and cultural city with multiple historical sites which played an important part in Chinese history having served as the capital of several dynasties, kingdoms and republican governments. It's part of the "Four Great Ancient Capitals of China", the other three being Beijing, Luoyang and Xi'an.

Start your day at the Skyways Bakery (1, 160 Shanghai Rd, Gulou) to get a proper breakfast. Especially if you're already travelling a long time in China you'll value a proper bread roll and some good coffee. They do have other imported goods and you're able to create your own sandwich. After that make your way to the close by Zifeng Tower (2, 1 Zhongyang Rd, Gulou). This 450-metre high supertall skyscraper boosts some great views over the city, but be aware that the view can be quite restricted because of smog. The tower was completed in 2010 and designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP.

From here head to the City Wall of Nanjing. The Xuanwumen gate (3, 1 Xuanwumen Rd, Gulou) is in walking distance from the Zifeng Tower, from there you can head north towards the Shencemen Yuecheng Park (4, 8 Longpan Rd, Xuanwu), the Xuanwu Lake always on your right side. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere, calm lake view on the right side, busy city view on the left side. Now it's time for a change of scenery, take the Metro to the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge which is located in the north-west of the city (5). The bridge was completed in 1968 and was the last link for the Beijing-Shanghai Railway. It's a pretty impressive structure including communist air, you can visit the south of the bridge, just enter the park below the bridge, pay the small entrance fee and head to the pillar which is closest to the water to find an elevator to the top. The next trip is quite far so you better take a taxi this time. The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall is located in the south of Nanjing (6, 418 Shuiximen St, Jianye) and pays tribute to the 40,000 to over 300,000 victims during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937 & 1938. A gruesome and depressing reminder of the cities place in the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II. From here the Gate of China is very close, it's the southernmost gate of the city wall (7). Last stop on the tour is the Confucius Temple (8, 128 Zinyhan Rd, Qinhuai), once a place to worship Confucius it's now part of a huge complex which also hosts the Jiangnan Examination Hall.

]]>http://www.aboyontheroad.com/2016/02/05/one-day-in-nanjing/67d9443e-4b30-428d-b8b9-a6294b53a564Fri, 05 Feb 2016 20:00:00 GMTTired of the same old guides of San Francisco? You probably read something like this a thousand times: Go see the Golden Gate bridge. Avoid Fisherman's Wharf, it's a tourist trap. Ride the cable car, yada-yada-yada. Well this is a different take on seeing San Francisco which aims to keep you well hydrated (with wine or beer) and explore San Francisco by foot.

The whole tour is about six to seven kilometres in distance and by the nature of San Francisco it steeply ascends and descends several times, so you probably want to pack some water. If you're not already in San Francisco get off at the Embarcadero BART station and be ready for the first drink of the tour.

It all starts at one of my favourite watering holes in Embarcadero, Hard Water at Pier 3. Beforehand stroll along the waterfront, take a look at the iconic Ferry Building at Market St and enjoy the view of Yerba Buena Island and the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. Then sample one of the more than 400 whiskeys which Hard Water has on the menu and get some of the New Orleans-inspired food there.

Once you're done head on to Washington St to go West and up the hill. You'll pass the famous Transamerica Pyramid, another iconic landmark of San Francisco. Aim for Nob Hill and keep walking uphill, always remember to turn and take photos, Washington St eastwards is especially rewarding because if features the Transamerica Pyramid and a high difference in altitude. Once you're in Chinatown make a sharp left onto Grant Av and stroll around to soak up the atmosphere. When you reach the Dragon Gate you're at the beginning of Chinatown, time to take another photo and the next drink! Tunnel Top at 601 Bush St is an institution right next to the entrance of Chinatown and you'll always find plenty of specials and friendly bartenders there.

Next head out on Bush St and turn left, then take the second right on Powell St, two cable car lines run here so have your camera prepared. Another cable car line crosses at California St where you turn left. You have some really good photo opportunities towards downtown from here. On top of Nob Hill at 999 California St you'll pass the iconic Mark Hopkins Hotel, a nineteen floor San Francisco Designated Landmark. When you spot Grace Cathedral on your right turn left down the hill on Jones St. On Geary St turn right again and head to a dive bar called Whisky Thieves. Hang out at the pool table or the jukebox and enjoy the selection of whiskeys or go for a $7 PBR and Jameson special if you're lazy.

Finding your way to the next location is up to you. I suggest taking a route either West towards Japantown and then South straight into Haight-Ashbury or first South towards Market St and then on to Haight St up the hill. It's all about enjoying the atmosphere here. Your target is another dive bar in Lower Haight, Molotov's located at 582 Haight St. In the middle of trendy bars and restaurants a place to listen to loud music, drink beer and watch people. If you're fancier head to the corner of Steiner and Haight St to get a cocktail and food at Maven.

Ready for the finale? Head down the hill to Market St and turn right into 11th St to Slim's, a live music venue founded by Boz Scaggs at the border of SoMa and Mission District, and finish your tour by listening to some live music.

Here are the addresses of the mentioned bars/restaurants/venues for easy look-up:

]]>http://www.aboyontheroad.com/2016/01/14/a-guide-to-drinking-in-san-francisco/0fd0ec99-677d-4bac-8a4d-270683447ef0Thu, 14 Jan 2016 16:14:00 GMTIt's 2016 (the first anniversary of this travel diary lies already in the past) and if you haven't noticed yet, A Boy On The Road has a brand new destinations page. It comes full with glorious maps and flags of all the 35 countries (still counting) I visited so far. So what are you waiting for, go explore!]]>http://www.aboyontheroad.com/2016/01/03/a-boy-on-the-road-destinations/ff5a42e1-06d7-4ac4-b0dc-98cfb85073d2Sun, 03 Jan 2016 21:00:00 GMTMount Kōya is the name of eight sacred mountains in the Wakayama Prefecture circa fifty kilometres South of Osaka. The site and its surroundings were settled in 819 and are now known as the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. Koyasan is part of a pilgrimage route through the Kii Mountains on the Kii Peninsula. The UNESCO declared the area a World Heritage Site in 2004 and says it "reflect['s] a persistent and extraordinarily well-documented tradition of sacred mountains over 1,200 years". The former monastery is now the town of Koyasan and it gives pilgrims and tourists the unique opportunity to lodge in one of the over one hundred Buddhist temples.

The sights can be easily discovered within one day, e.g. the Oku-no-In (奥の院) temple and the Kongōbu-ji (金剛峯寺) temple which are among the most famous and beautiful. If you fancy a hike there are lots of opportunities around. Other than that it is all about the experience of taking part in the life of the monks, e.g. the morning ceremony. The food in Buddhist temples in Koyasan is purely vegetarian as the monks are strict vegetarians.

According to the Global Power City Index (GPCI) Seoul is placed sixth after London, New York City, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore in a listing which ranks the global importance of cities. The city and the country are vibrating areas and in contrast to Europe and North America embrace a different culture, highly technologized, urbanized and with plenty of things to discover for the traveller. The sheer size of the city is already stunning, the inner city boosts around ten million inhabitants and the complete urban area of Seoul (in Hangul: 서울시) 25 million people, making it the second largest urban area worldwide. Seoul is the the definitive heart and soul of South Korea, being the cultural, economical and educational centre. It lies close to the border to North Korea in the North of the country. South Korea is the fourth-largest economic area in Asia and one of the biggest exporting countries in the world. The city and the country are fascinating and there are lots of photos and posts coming in the future, but I want to start with ten spots you should definitely consider visiting when you're in Seoul:

Lotte is a conglomerate based in South Korea and Japan, producing everything from food to beverages and running businesses in several industries. Lotte World is the world's largest indoor theme park and just adjacent of it is the Lotte World Tower, a 555 meter supertall skyscraper currently under construction. If you want to visit the theme park come after 4 pm for a 75% discount. Jamsil Station (잠실역)

The following addresses might be interesting for you if you like shopping: the Shinsegae department store in downtown, a franchise of department stores which also operates the world's largest department store in Busan, and the COEX mall, an underground shopping mall in Gangnam-gu beneath the convention centre. Hoehyeon Station (회현역) / Samseong Station (삼성역)

If you like strolling around and discovering the city on your own consider the districtsGangnam, the glitzy centre of modern Seoul and Itaewon, a district which lots of expats call their home. Gangnam Station (강남역) / Itaewon Station (이태원역)

Bukchon Village is a historic part of Seoul with lots of wooden homes called Hanok enabling you to experience life as it was during the Joseon dynasty. Anguk Station (안국역), take exit 3

If you're into hiking and want to have a timeout of the busy Seoul city life consider visiting Mount Bugaksan, just West of Gyeongbokgung, which offers a peaceful alternative with a rich history. Dongnimmun Station (독립문역) / Anguk Station (안국역)

Namdaemun Market is a traditional retail street market, most of the times it's crowded and loud but it has some of the best street food in Seoul. Hoehyeon Station (회현역)

Cheonggyecheon is a stream in downtown Seoul, formerly covered by transportation infrastructure and now remodelled as a recreation area. Jonggak Station (종각역), take exit 5

The War Memorial of Korea is an impressive museum of the military history of South Korea and its splitted neighbour North Korea, a must-see. Consider a day-trip to the DMZ as well. Samgakji Station (삼각지역)

if you love climbing towers or skyscrapers and soaking up a view from atop then don't miss out on the N Seoul Tower or the gold cladded 63 Building. Hangangjin Station (한강진역) / Noryangjin Station (노량진역)

]]>http://www.aboyontheroad.com/2015/12/12/ten-spots-to-visit-in-seoul/385af4fd-65f7-4586-b8c0-b159c7fb7fe9Sat, 12 Dec 2015 12:00:00 GMTBelize is not your typical Central American country, for instance it is the only country whose official language is English. A mix of ethnic groups ranging from Garifuna and Mayan is another unique feature. Not to mention the fact that it was formerly ruled by the British Empire, being known as British Honduras until 1973 and gaining full independence in 1981. Belize is bordered by Mexico in the North and Guatemala in the West and South. To the East there are almost up to four hundred kilometres of coastline with the Caribbean Sea and right in front of it is the second-longest barrier reef in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef. Belize is home to about 350,000 people and covers around 23,000 square kilometers, slightly bigger as Slovenia (but Slovenia has almost six times more inhabitants) and smaller than Belgium (~ 30,000 square kilometres, Belize being roughly 77% of the area of it). The capitol is Belmopan though the biggest city is Belize City. Adjacent to Belize City, in Ladyville, is the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, the largest and busiest airport of Belize. Keep on reading to find out about the top five places to visit while staying in Belize.

Daily buses connect the city with Punta Gorda, Belmopan and Belize City. Travelling by bus in Belize is safe although it can be tiring because air conditioning is non existent and the buses stop very frequently. Most likely you'll find repurposed old school buses from the US in use. Dangriga is the heart of the Punta music and other Garifuna culture in Belize. Most tourists use Dangriga as an access point to the central cayes or on there way further South, but the city has more to offer. It's slightly dirty and shabby, but that partly accounts for it's laid-back character and funky attitude.

San Ignacio is a true insider's tip: Nice restaurants, good accommodation and tons of stuff to discover close-by. It lies in the heart of the Cayo District close to the border to Guatemala (Tikal easy accessible once you're at the border). The Maya ruins of Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, El Pilar and the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave are all pleasant day-trips away. Be sure to check out the vibrant night life, drink some cheap beers downtown and eat at some nice restaurants, e.g. at the The Guava Limb (featuring beautiful views of the Macal River Park), Ko-Ox Han Nah (Let's Go Eat) and Yoli's Pizza (at the bus stop). For a night out start at the Sunset Karaoke Bar and work your way through Burns Avenue.

Once you've got your fair share of the inland transfer to the cayes. The most prominent, besides the central and southern cayes, are the northern cayes which are easily accessible via water taxi from Belize City. Caye Caulker covers only about eight kilometres from North to South and less than two kilometres from East to West but has a lot to offer. Relax at one of the many beach bars or simply explore the tiny island by foot (always adhering to the local slogan "Go Slow") soaking up the laid-back atmosphere. Healthy breakfasts can be found at Amor y Café. If you're into scuba diving connect with a local tour agency to visit the Great Blue Hole.

This caye is another beautiful island located in the northern cayes. It's also reachable by water taxi from Belize City, Caye Caulker being about 45 minutes away and Ambergris Caye 60 minutes away. The island is slightly bigger than Caye Caulker, spanning almost forty kilometres from North to South. The biggest and only town is San Pedro and the main transportation on the island is by golf carts. When you're there check out the Belize Chocolate Company close to the airport, and one of the many eateries on Barrier Reef Drive. From here you can also continue by boat to Chetumal in Mexico.

]]>http://www.aboyontheroad.com/2015/11/20/the-top-5-places-to-visit-in-belize/6220d433-b678-4bd5-afd5-62eb88bae8d3Fri, 20 Nov 2015 19:00:00 GMTHere are five places you should definitely mark on your map when you visit this beautiful french city in the heart of the Rhône-Alpes region.

Climb up the stairs of Croix-Rousse and visit the wonderful market at the top of the hill (usually on the Boulevard de Croix-Rousse). Be sure to sample some Pâtisserie, fresh fruits, local mustard, and much more.

Take a stroll around Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon) and taste the Lyonnaise cuisine (e.g. Foie Gras and red wine) in a traditional Bouchon.

Visit the Institut Lumière and dive into the fantastic world of the Lumière brothers who invented the cinematographe in Lyon, thus making the city an important birthplace of modern day cinema.

Feel the modern day Lyon by taking a walk through La Part-Dieu, the business district of the city. There you will find one of the most important railway stations of Lyon and a huge shopping mall.

]]>http://www.aboyontheroad.com/2015/11/10/5-things-to-do-in-lyon/7e3fc3c2-05e2-4c84-9602-bd8be9c63290Tue, 10 Nov 2015 19:00:00 GMTWhen travelling in South America you get to a point where you simply get too much of Romeo Santos and his Merenguecompañeros, and to be honest my pain threshold isn't that high, so this happened very fast. So what better idea as to hide in your headphones and listen to some punk and rock, or maybe even punk rock? I sat down with local Argentinian punk rock fans and we exchanged some of our favourite bands over beer and compiled a list of notable Argentian punk and rock bands. The result is this blog entry.

Genre: Heavy MetalWho are they: The band was formed in the middle of the 90's by ex-V8 members. In 1995 they released their debut called "Mundo Guanaco".Why listen to it: Almafuerta play honest and fast music. For me it was and is quite complicated to understand the lyrics, mainly because Ricardo Iorio, the lead singer, tends to sing very fast, and they don't use a very simple language. But this not being the topic here they are one for every heavy metal record collection.What to listen to: Get a grip of the re-release of the 1995 classic "Mundo Guanaco" from 2006 by DBN if you can.

Genre: Punk RockWho are they: Probably the first band which comes into mind when you think of Argentinian punk and you are from Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Why? Because Die Toten Hosen introduced them to a bigger audience in Europe by booking them as a supporting act for a tour in Austria. They are active since 1999 and their roots are the British punk of the 70's mixed with ska and reggae elements.Why listen to it: They mix styles, they have serious lyrics (Falklands war, social problems in Argentina, and so on) and most of their songs brim over with energy.What to listen to: Grab "Quien despierta", released in 2008 by ANR Music & More if you want a full record.

Genre: Punk RockWho are they: In contrast to the name they were formed in 1987 in Buenos Aires. They were very popular during the second great depression in Argentina (and still are) and a lot of Argentinians know them and their lyrics by heart. They mix British punk with reggae and ska parts.Why listen to it: They are very critical towards their country and this is reflected in their lyrics, so expect left-winged paroles. This may sound boring, but believe me, with all the Spanish lyrics it makes for a good combination and you won't regret listening to a record by them because it shows you a different side of Argentina.What to listen to: "Caña!", released on Wolverine in 2002 is a good first record to get to know them.

Genre: Punk RockWho are they: The band was formed in 1989 and within the first ten years gained mostly underground success. Excessive touring with fellow punk rock artists in Argentina and South America openend them to a wider audience.Why listen to it: Bulldog are easily one of my favourite bands from Argentina, like no other punk band they understand how to combine smart lyrics with catchy melodies. The lyrics are not always easily understandable by Spanish language beginners, but very rewarding if you try because they are socially critical.What to listen to: Be sure to get a copy of "Repolucion", released by Pinhead Records in 2009 if you want to get to know the band.

Genre: RockWho are they: Dividos were formed in 1989 from what was left of Sumo after Luca Prodan passed away. In their early days they were requested to play old songs by Sumo, but they soon began recording in the US and defined their own style and got away from simply being known as the band "after Sumo".Why listen to it: Ricardo Mollo and Diego Arnedo know how to mix genres, this results in experimental rock music with funk and new wave influences and cryptic lyrics. Their repertoire includes covers by Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and Led Zeppelin. They've won several awards in Argentina for best rock band and best rock song.What to listen to: Try to get a copy of "La Era De La Boludez", released in 1993 by Polydor if you're looking for a full record to get to know the band.

Genre: AlternativeWho are they: El Otro Yo, literally translated to "The other you", recorded their first demo tape called Los Hijos de Alien in the late 80's, beginning of the early 90's. They shared the stage with artists like the Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, Marilyn Manson, Incubus and Silverchair.Why listen to it: They sing about teenage problems, lots of the lyrics are somehow simple but really catchy. Don't just listen to them because of the music but also because they sing the most clear Argentinian Spanish. They're often compared to the Pixies, Nirvana, etc., and the sometimes depressive and youth centered lyrics underline that if you get into the band in more depth.What to listen to: "Traka-Traka", a re-release of the record released after the first demo tape in the 90's is available from DBN and is a good starting point.

Genre: Rock'n'RollWho are they: Formed in 2000, mainly as a spin off from the band Viejas Locas, they quickly gathered a solid fanbase around singer Cristian "Pity" Álvarez.Why listen to it: The band mixes punk rock, blues, reggae, funk and hip-hop styles.What to listen to: Try to get a grip on "Otro Dia en el Planeta Tierra", released by Soy Rock in 2005. The singer wins the price for the funniest hairdo and the whole band for funniest Spanish lyrics. Give it a try!

Genre: Hard RockWho are they: La Renga are a hard rock band which performed live for the first time in 1988. "Nacido Para Ser Salvaje", a successful Spanish-language cover of Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" was one of their songs which made them known to a wide public.Why listen to it: The lyrics are, as of most Argentinian bands, politically inspired and discuss the recent struggles of the country, i.e. for independence, for democracy, against corruption and the falklands wars, which are still a big thing being discussed.What to listen to: Grab the self-titled record, released in 2007 by Universal Distribution if you want a full record.

Genre: RockWho are they: Las Pelotas were formed after death of Sumo singer Luca Prodan in 1987. In 1994 they released their debut record "Mascaras de Sal" on Distribuidora Belgrano Norte (DBN). They played as an opening act for the Rolling Stones in Argentina.Why listen to it: They play a mix of Argentinian folk & rock en Español, but also have heavy pop and reggae influences.What to listen to: Grab the debut "Mascaras de Sal", released in 1994 by DBN if you want a full record.

Genre: RockWho are they: Los Piojos are a latin rock act formed in 1987 in the greater Buenos Aires area. They became increasingly popular during the 90's filling arenas and small stadiums. They disbanded in 2009 but are still very popular across Latin America and Europe.Why listen to it: They combine rock and local traditional music, e.g. tango, murga and candombe. But they are also no stranger to reggae, Caribbean rhythms, classic rock and even alternative influences. Part of the so-called suburban rock explosion in the mid 90's they are known for the tight, very personal and memorable songwriting by their frontman.What to listen to: Try to get a grip on "Azul", released by Universal Music Latino in 1998. It is a superb introduction to the talent of this band.

Genre: Post-PunkWho are they: Sumo was an 80's underground post-punk act. Headed by Luca Prodan, who is oringinally from Italy and who lived in London and Manchester before moving to Argentina, they introduced British post-punk to the Argentinian music scene. When they disbanded they formed two new bands: Dividos and Las Pelotas (see above).Why listen to it: Despite their short-lived activity they are probably one of the most influential contemporary Argentinian music acts. They combined different styles from reggae to punk rock and up until this day it is impressive how influential they were under a repressive military dictatorship.What to listen to: Be sure to get a copy of "After Chabón", their third and last record, released by CBS in 1987 if you want to get to know the band.

Antigua Guatemala, meaning ancient Guatemala, is a city located in the heart of the highlands of Guatemala, approximately 50 kilometres West of Guatemala City, the current modern capital. The city served as the third capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala (an administrative division of the Spanish Empire) for more than 200 years. The city was destroyed by a series of earthquakes in 1773, commonly referred to as the Santa Marta earthquakes, leading to its abandonment. Nowadays it's one of the major tourist attractions of Guatemala and well-known for its Spanish-colonial architecture (becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979), a large number of Spanish schools, the close proximity to three major Volcános (Acatenango, Fuego and Agua), and its central location in Guatemala which makes it an ideal starting point to explore this great country. It can be reached from La Aurora International Airport in under one hour by taxi or minibus. All important country destinations, e.g. Flores & Tikal, Lago de Atitlán and so on, are easily accessible by minibus from here.

Here is my small guide to the city.

Parque Central, also Plaza Mayor, is the place where all the locals (called antigüeños) meet. Because it's so central and almost impossible to miss (situated between Avenida/Calle 4 and 5) it also became a backpacker meet up. It's surrounded by colonial buildings and lots of cafés. The centre of the parque/plaza is dominated by a fountain and plenty of benches invite you to linger and watch people.

The Arco de Santa Catalina is the most important architectural landmark of Antigua. It's located three blocks from the Parque Central on 5a Avenida Norte. Try to get a photo facing South with Volcán de Agua in the background. Depending on the season it's quite challenging to get a clear shot, best advice is to get up early and take the picture in the morning.

Views of the city are plenty: Cerro San Cristóbal boasts a fabulous restaurant, bar and organic farm on top. There is a minibus/shuttle which leaves at the Arco for Q10 (Guatemalan Quetzal). Cerro Santo Domingo is located in the East of the city. Free shuttles leave at the five star hotel & restaurant Casa Santo Domingo which is worth a look itself. It's a former convent, now turned hotel & restaurant with amazing colonial architecture and great food. Starting point is 3a Calle Oriente 28 A. Cerro de la Cruz is located in the North and the most easily accessible hill. You can reach it by foot, but be aware of pickpockets and always go in groups, or by taxi for Q15. The footpath starts at Calle Ancha de los Herreros.

The Museo Caso Santo Domingo, located in the aforementioned hotel with the same name, is an ancient Americas cultural museum and worth a look if you want to learn about Central American culture. The ChocoMuseo, they have other branches across Central and South America so you might have seen it in Peru or Nicaragua, is close to the Parque Central and a must visit if you love chocolate and want to learn everything about how chocolate is made and where it comes from. They offer workshops and even visits of the cacao plantations.

Iglesia de San Francisco, at the corner of 1a Avenida Sur and 7a Calle Oriente, is one of the most visited churches by the antigüeños and famous for its shrine of Santo Hermano Pedro de San José Betancur. In my eyes Iglesia de la Merced, at the corner of 6a Avenida Norte and 1a Calle Oriente, is the second church worth visiting. The baroque style building with its yellow facade is just a real eye-catcher, especially at night when locals and tourists alike gather and enjoy the atmosphere.

Several earthquakes left ruins in and around Antigua. The most prominent are the Convento Santa Clara, the Church and Convent of Capuchins, the Ruinas Convento e Iglesia de la Recolección and the Ruinas de la Catedral de Antigua Guatemala. Especially the first two are worth a visit.

There are tons of Spanish schools in Antigua and picking one can be quite a difficult task. Antiguena Spanish Academy is located at 1a Calle Poniente 10 and I selected it for a number of reasons, among them: the possibility of home stays, the price and the quality of the lessons. Guatemala365 can be worth visiting when selecting the right fit.

Accommodation

Because everyone has to sleep somewhere

Airbnb - available for iOS and Android - Probably the best way to get in touch with locals is to sleep at someones place for a small fee, Airbnb is your community to connect with amazing people worldwide.

Couchsurfing - available for iOS and Android - Sleep on someones couch for free and get in touch with locals with Couchsurfing.

Hostelworld - available for iOS and Android - Your search engine for the hostels which are most trustworthy, clean and friendly.

Booking.com - available for iOS and Android - No hostel, no Airbnb and no couch available? Or do you want some privacy? Booking.com has a huge selection of hotels with special deals just one click away.

Navigation

Because you want to know where you're going

Google Maps - available for iOS and Android - Google Maps offers you navigation at the tip of your fingers but requires an internet connection, though there is a function available to download certain map data.

OsmAnd - available for iOS and Android - If you're stuck without an internet connection you might as well opt for OsmAnd, it offers you offline access to OpenStreetMap once you've downloaded map data, don't be fooled, this could save your life at some point.

Translation

Because sometimes you don't speak the language

Oanda Currency Converter - available for iOS and Android - Currencies may not be the language you've thought of, but they need translation as well. This app by Oanda, once installed, caches the current exchange rates so that you can access them offline as well.

QuickDic - available for Android - QuickDic gives you offline access to your dictionaries. Simply store the desired files on your memory card and have them handy when you're on the road without an internet connection.

Google Translate - available for iOS and Android - The app by Google offers a lot of different languages and comes with a function where you can use your camera to translate text instantly.

Bookkeeping

Because otherwise you live beyond your means

Toshl Finance - available for iOS and Android - Every traveler is concerned with how much he spends per day for what, this app helps you watch your daily limit, it supports multiple currencies and tags.

Recommendations

Because the community is powerful

TripAdvisor - available for iOS and Android - Ever been in a city without a travel guide? TripAdvisor comes in handy when you're looking for a hotel, restaurant or a sight. Sign up and you can leave comments and rate locations as well.

Foursquare - available for iOS and Android - Your handy city guide, comes with an automatic location tracking which gives you suggestions based on where you are, it requires an internet connection though.

Communication

Because you want to stay in touch

WhatsApp - available for iOS and Android - Stuck in a foreign country with no speech and no text service? Connect to your Hostel network and start messaging via the internet with WhatsApp, it has never been easier to stay connected with your friends at home.

Google Hangouts - available for iOS and Android - Video-telephony made easy, after months away from home you can brag about how tanned you've become.

Skype - available for iOS and Android - Another video-telephony app to keep you connected with your family and friends.

Read

Because sometimes you're on long bus or train rides

Kiwix - available for iOS and Android - Kiwix is your offline Wikipedia. Once you've downloaded the data files, which can be quite big, you can access the articles without an internet connection.

Moon+ Reader - available for Android - A neat and handy small app so you can access the tons of Lonely Planets you bought. A good alternative to an ebook reader and paper books.

Spread the Word

Because at some point you want to show off with your travels

Instagram - available for iOS and Android - Take photos, apply filters and share them with your friends, show me a traveler who doesn't like to take pictures!

Twitter - available for iOS and Android - Compile your thoughts into tweets and share them with your fellow travel colleagues.

Facebook - available for iOS and Android - All those friends who are at home want to have the latest updates on your travels.

Nerd Stuff

Because a world without nerds would be boring

Flightradar24 - available for iOS and Android - Travelers love planes, why not follow them on your phone? Launch Flightradar24 and see the air activity in your proximity.

Google Sky Map - available for Android - Ever looked at the sky and asked yourself which constellation you're looking at? No more guessing necessary with this handy app by Google.